Frequently Asked Questions

Why have you set up a new charity for swallowtails and birdwings?

Back in 1985 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published a Red Data Book that reviewed the conservation status of all 573 species of the butterfly family Papilionidae. A number of high priorities were identified, and an action plan was published in 1991, but action on the ground has been limited. In addition to being valued in their own right, swallowtails and birdwings are iconic and act as flagship species for broader conservation aims. We want to help initiate more projects at grass roots level.

In what ways do you help conservation?

We do four things: raise financial resources; convene networks and partnerships; catalyse action, and provide scientific and technical support.

Do you have staff and offices?

No, we are a small charity run entirely by our Trustees, who are all volunteers. We also have an excellent group of Honorary Advisers, each with special expertise that they make available to us from time to time.

In 1991 the IUCN Lepidoptera Specialist Group, now the IUCN Butterfly Specialist Group, published an Action Plan outlining 34 priorities. Most of these are just as relevant today and we are using these to explore future possibilities. In addition to this global view, we aim to support swallowtail and birdwing projects at the local level, where a particular species, perhaps common at the global level, may have special local significance.

Where in the world do you have projects?

One of our principle aims is to conserve Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing in Papua New Guinea. A new book has brought the situation up-to-date (see Publications). We have established and supported projects in Australia, Sabah, Fiji, Jamaica, Dominica and the UK. We have a pipeline of new projects and will update the website with information.

Do you give grants for projects?

In general, we are not in a position to fund unsolicited projects. However, we may be able to help you raise resources, and from time to time we will make small start-up grants. If you wish to propose a project it will be necessary to complete an SBBT project proposal form, which may be obtained from the Secretary.

What do you do in the UK?

We are a UK charity and our work is carried out from the UK. The UK has a single subspecies, the British Swallowtail, confined to the Norfolk Broads. It depends on Milk Parsley, Peucedanumpalustre, as its foodplant. One of our interests is in introducing the subspecies to new wetland locations more secure from the effects of climate change, sea level rise and salinization.

Do you have members?

No, we don’t have a membership as this would be beyond our capacity at present.

Do you have a newsletter?

Yes, we produce a regular newsletter called Papilio!, which we send out every three or four months to all those who sign up to receive it.

How may I help your cause?

We raise funds for projects and basic overheads. We also encourage enthusiasts and experts to help us as Honorary Advisors and to step forward with project ideas. We are always looking for enthusiastic and committed new Trustees with particular skills such as communications, IT and finance.

Latest News

Two Master’s students, Susie Hills and Hamish Lillywhite are starting work on the conditions needed by the British Swallowtail and its foodplant, Milk-parsley, in East Anglia’s fens. Their projects are a direct result of our 2017 workshop, the first step in a partnership between SBBT and the University of East Anglia’s School of Biological Sciences.

John Parnell, a retired entomologist who developed a passion for the magnificent Homerus Swallowtail when he worked as a lecturer in Jamaica, has agreed to take up an honorary position spearheading SBBT’s work on the species. John joins the Trust as our vital conservation work to rescue the species continues.

SBBT is delighted to announce World Swallowtail Day, taking place this year on Sunday 9th June. All are welcome to register their local event or come to Wheatfen Reserve in Norfolk for the global launch. Reserves, zoos, butterfly houses and botanical gardens worldwide will join hands to celebrate swallowtails and birdwings and help us to promote conservation projects.

Useful Links

OUR APPEAL

Swallowtails and birdwings are beautiful and graceful butterflies – who wouldn’t love to see them dancing in the sunlight or sipping nectar from wildflowers? But many species are under threat from agriculture, forestry and climate change. We have ideas, enthusiasm and a vision for the future. Will you help us to achieve our goals?

GIVING

Financial contributions are welcome and will be treasured. We also need your ideas, new information, suggestions and encouragement!